FMS: Pakistan Pursuing an Important Weapons Package

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the US Congress of three possible foreign military sales (FMS) to Pakistan comprising P-3C aircraft, TOW anti-tank missiles and Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWSs). The estimated total value could be as high as $1.2 billion if all options are exercised.

The government of Pakistan has requested the sale of eight P-3C Orion aircraft with T56 engines as well as associated equipment and services. The current proposal includes communications equipment, training devices, medical services, support and test equipment, engineering, technical services, supply support, operation and maintenance training, documentation, spare and repair parts, etc. If all options are exercised the P-3C and related items purchase could be valued at $970 million.

Pakistan will use the P-3C aircraft to gain the capability to restrict the littoral movement of terrorists and drug smugglers along Pakistan's southern border, while ensuring Pakistan's border integrity. In addition to border surveillance, these P-3C aircraft will act as a maritime patrol asset forming the basis of an airborne maritime anti-ship and anti-submarine capability.

The government of Pakistan also requested a possible foreign military sale of six Phalanx close-in weapon systems, upgrade of six Phalanx Block 0 to Block 1B, spare and repair parts, modification kits, supply and support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications, and technical data. Pakistan will use the Phalanx weapon systems to protect its Navy's ships against inbound aircraft, missiles and surface craft. Moreover, Block 1B is requested because Block 0 configuration is no longer supportable by the US Navy logistics system. The total cost of this sale, including options, is $155 million.

Finally, the government of Pakistan requested a sale of 2,000 TOW 2A missiles, 14 TOW 2A fly-to-buy missiles, spare and repair parts, technical support, support equipment, personnel training, technical data and publications. The estimated cost is $82 million with options.

Raytheon will be the prime contractor for TOW 2A and Phalanx close-in weapon systems. Lockheed-Martin will be the primer contractor for the P-3C aircraft potential FMS. There are no known offset agreements associated to these three Foreign Military Sales.

This announcement doesn't mean the sales have been concluded, it is required by law. The US Congress must give green light in order to complete the FMS agreement between contractors and governments representatives.

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